Abscess - any one know if this is ok??

[SarahAllen]

Might be a bit long but would really appreciate some advice...

2 weeks ago - got horse in from field, washed legs off and found wound about 2cm across, just above his coronet band. We cleaned it up, purpled sprayed it etc.

For the next few days he was slightly 'off' in trot so decided to call the vet out as was due his vaccinations anyway so thought there was no harm getting it checked out.

Vet said keep it clean etc. and lameness should resolve within a week or so.

However, over the last few days he has got more lame rather than better. So, decide to call vet out again. Original cut has healed nicely and is no tenderness around it so I started to worry that there was something more sinister going on.

Vet re examines him. Come to conclusion that the initial cut was actually the eruption of an abscess caused by an infection. The lameness got worse becase the cut healed over which shut off the route of escape for the pus/infection.

My horse had a significant injury as a 2yr old ( he's now 13yrs ) which has left him with a crack from the top to the bottom of his hoof. It's not usually a problem but the vet thinks that thet this was the entry point for the infection. The hoof testers showd considerable tenderness right at the top of the crack, just under the cocronet band and the initial wound.

Because of the crack, the vet didn't want to try and dig out the infection or take off the shoe as he feared doing more harm than good. I do agree that this was the right call but it means that there is nothing really that we can do.

The vet didn't think antibiotics would do much good so would just be a waste of money. He also didn't think that poulticing would do any good considering the position of the abscess and the fact that there's no opening for anything to escape.

So, i've been told I just have to wait it out. Vet has suggested a re-evaluation in 2 weeks if the lameness does not significantly improve/gets worse. Until then, he's still to be turned out and is on bute for a week to try and make him a little more comfortable.

Has anyone had any similar experiences? He's never been lame in the 7 years i've owned him and when horses i've known have had abscesses its been poulticing and box rest!

I guess I could just do with some reassurance that these things can resolve on their own and that he will come sound again

Thanks very much in advance!

 

[teddyt]

Allowing the horse to move will encourage the pus out of the hole, which is a good thing. Tubbing the foot in warm saline could help as it will get in to any crevices that you cant with a poultice. Poulticing basically is trying to draw out the pus, etc.
Unfortunately, it may be best to let the infection brew up a bit for a few days then you can tub and or poultice then to help draw it out.
He'll come sound again, its just not finished with yet and may take a while longer to heal.

 

[ajb]

hmm well my only concern would be that there needs to be "somewhere" for the puss to come out, hence the hole in the coronary band and if there isnt it will burst out again, all the time your horse is uncomfortable..one of my liveries is on abcess number two (both front feet ironically a week apart ) and she is poulticing, box rest and hot tubbing twice a day to get it out....I think I would speak to your farrier (cheaper than vet anyway!!) and see what he thinks...

 

[Donkeymad]

It is likely that it will eventually erupt through the coronary band, probably where the crack is. I would be tempted to hot tub twice daily, making sure the water comes above the coronary band.

 

[indi4]

Would it be possible for your farrier to come out and have a look, as i tend to find them better at dealing with an abscess than vets.

 

[Money_Penny]

Definitely call the farrier - if he's a good one! My vet and farrier recently had a joint consultation with my horse. They bounced ideas off each other and treatment decided upon has been successful.
The farrier sees feet every day; they know what they're talking about.

 

[pricklyflower]

Agree with the advice re farrier, both my vet and farrier consulted with each other about my horses abscess (which is still ongoing two and a half weeks later). My vet told me to consult with my farrier as he is dealing with feet day in, day out.